Elaborations from the article entitled
Good Governance and Development:, A Critical Analysis of The Relationship
THE CONCEPT OF GOOD GOVERNANCE
The concept of Governance has
become popular recently, but it can mean different things. Many people use it
interchangeably with Government, which can be confusing. Good
Governance combines the ideas of governance and being good, focusing
on effective and fair management.
The activity or process of governing:
- This involves the continuous actions and decisions taken by those in power to manage the affairs of the state. It includes creating laws, implementing policies, and ensuring the welfare of the citizens. Governing is an active process that requires constant attention and adaptation to changing circumstances.
- This refers to the establishment and maintenance of a structured system where rules and laws are followed. Ordered rules ensure stability and predictability within a society, allowing for the smooth functioning of daily life. It involves the enforcement of laws and the resolution of disputes through established legal frameworks.
- These are the individuals or groups who hold positions of authority and are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the society. They can include elected officials, appointed leaders, and public servants. Governors are accountable to the people and are expected to act in the best interest of the society they serve.
- This encompasses the different forms and structures
of government, such as democracies, monarchies, dictatorships, and more.
Each system has its own methods of decision-making, power distribution,
and citizen participation. The manner of governance can significantly
impact the effectiveness and fairness of the government.
Governance signifies a change in
the meaning of government, referring to a new process of governing, or a
changed condition of ordered rule or the new method by which society is
governed. Governance signifies a change in the meaning of government, referring
to a new process of governing, or a changed condition of ordered rule or the
new method by which society is governed.
The concepts of
"Governance" and "Government" can be distinguished based on
definitions provided by Hosenau and the Institute of Governance. According to
Hosenau, governance refers to activities backed by shared goals, emphasizing
collaboration and consensus among various stakeholders to achieve common
objectives. In contrast, government involves activities backed by formal
authority, focusing on the exercise of control and administration by those in
official positions of power. The Institute of Governance further elaborates
that governance is a process through which societies or organizations make
important decisions, determine who is involved in the process, and ensure
accountability. This definition highlights governance as a dynamic and
inclusive process, involving multiple stakeholders and emphasizing transparency
and responsibility. On the other hand, government is characterized by a more
centralized decision-making process, typically carried out by individuals with
formal authority. In summary, governance focuses on collaboration, inclusivity,
and shared goals, while government centers on authority, administration, and
formal power.
Governance refers to the
effectiveness of government (State Capacity) in achieving goals and performing
functions essential for collective well-being, including maintaining order and
security within the nation’s territorial boundaries, improving welfare outcomes
for its population and expanding prosperity
According to the World Bank,
governance is the exercise of political power to manage a nation’s affairs, and
Good Governance involves:
Ø
an efficient public service,
Ø
an independent judicial system and legal
framework to enforce contracts,
Ø
the accountable administration of public funds,
and
Ø
an independent public sector responsible to a
representative legislature,
Ø
respect for the law and human rights.
A good Governance system extends
beyond the capacity of public sector to the rules that create a legitimate,
effective democratic state, give a way to the second generation of
conditionalities related to democracy, human rights and good governments a condition
of aid being given.
Poor quality governance is
attributed to the failure of structural adjustment and economic liberalization
to achieve the intended beneficial results which further characterized by weak
governmental structures, administrative incompetence, corruption, lack of
accountability and openness in policymaking, absence of the rule of law.
According to Leftwich, Good
Governance implies three strands:
1. Systemic use of governance
Refers to the overall structure
and functioning of the political and economic systems within a country. It
includes the institutions, processes, and norms that guide how power is
exercised and how decisions are made.
2. Political use of governance
Political aspect of governance,
including the legitimacy of the government, the rule of law, and the
participation of citizens in the political process. It emphasizes the
importance of democratic practices and accountability.
3. Administrative use of
governance,
Involves the efficiency and
effectiveness of public administration. An efficient open accountable and
audited public service which has the bureaucratic competence to help design and
implement appropriate policies. The World Bank and United Nations Development
Programme perceived Good Governance as the manner in which a country’s economic
and social resources are managed, and power are distributed to achieve
Sustainable Human Development. Wider participation in the design and delivery
of goods and services through government business and civic organizations.
Read more and learn about the KEY ACTORS OF GOOD GOVERNANCE.